Self Reflection- Living the Good Life
Have you ever looked at your life and thought, “uuuugh, I hate this“. If your answer is no, then you’re either a liar or I want to be you. Thinking negatively is often part and parcel of modern life; we in the 21st Century seem to have the grass is always greener mentality. The turn of the seasons often makes me a bit down, and discovering wine and eating copious amounts of chocolate of an evening hasn’t helped with body confidence. However, today I have been reflecting on what I am actually happy with. There is so much to enjoy in the world around us, and it’s time I personally started to evaluate the good stuff.
Looking at what I do these days, I have a few pretty interesting projects that I am really proud to be a part of. I work for DISTORTED SOUND, and have the privilege of listening to music, going to gigs, have dabbled in gig photography, and have been given so many opportunities through this publication. In the short time I have worked on the magazine, I have learnt so much about journalism and news reporting, and how hard it is to actually be a practical journalist from day-to-day. Nevertheless, I have revelled in every moment of it, and can’t wait to see what we do and where we go next.
In addition to that, I also love the fact that I work at TRACKSDIE STUDIOS. I feel like we are not just a team, but a strange sort of musical family (bit soppy there, but it’s that kind of post). In addition to working in the office, helping organise lessons and taking payments, I have covered guitar lessons and have really enjoyed the experience. I love music and it’s so much fun to work in a place where students are encouraged to play in such a positive and chilled out manner. I also got to model the limited pink TRACKSIDE shirt in aid of GENESIS BREAST CANCER PREVENTION, which was a little awkward for me but still fun, and a great campaign to be involved with in some small way.
(Check out the photographer, SIMON BROWN’s work here.) This studio is a huge part of my life, and I am so pleased of the impact is has had on the local music scene. Big thumbs up to my boss’ ALAN and STUART BAILEY for always being supportive of music and creating such an amazing space.
I am also due to start making an interesting film project with our bass teacher and in-house luthier WARWICK STEVENSON in the near future, and there’ll be some promotional footage for that coming your way soon.
I also do have a “regular” job, and while it’s not really what I want to be doing, I have a back catalogue of good work-related stories should I need to have a laugh when I go out with friends.
Speaking of which, it was also M.A.S.H. GUGU’s 2nd birthday last week. Without doubt, JANE BIRCH and PETE MASON are two of the loveliest and most brilliant people I have ever met, and the vibe they have brought to the MACCLESFIELD music scene has been a breath of fresh air. The staff are fantastic, the whole place is relaxed and it feels like the bar has been here much longer than just two years. I have met people there that I now consider friends and the performances are never dull. Yes indeed, I have never felt more at home in a joint, and I think the same can be said for most everyone that steps through the doors.
And, when I can’t make it out to M.A.S.H, then I am very fortunate to have a good home to go back to, where I can catch up with my family, or go and mither my boyfriend. I love a night in either watching films or playing games (I am more of a backseat gamer these days, but I still enjoy it). I can’t really complain either if we cook some food, listen to some music, read a book and going to bed. I am 22, ladies and gents, but my god I love that pensioner life.
It’s very easy to be down on yourself and the negative parts of your situation. Self-improvements are always essential to making you the best version of yourself, but standing back and appreciating the people, places and practises (like that alliteration there?) that make your life good is really essential. This is probably one of the most self-indulgent things I’ve ever written, but hopefully you’ll take a look at what you like in your life and feel a little better about what you have.